Iowa’s Wineries: Where to Sip & Savor Local Wines

1. Ackerman Winery

Ackerman Winery has been producing fruit wines at its location within the Amana Colonies since 1956, originally opened to the public in 1856 by Louisa and Harry Ackerman. Today, the winery is overseen by Bill and Rona Wyant, known for its delicious fruit-forward wines crafted in exotic flavor variants such as mango, red raspberry, pomegranate, and dandelion. Traditional wine varietals are also showcased, including varietals such as Pinot Grigio and Edelweiss. Amana Colonies visitors can stop in at the company's tasting room daily throughout the morning and afternoon hours, with complimentary tastings of all the company's wines available for visitors ages 21 and older. A large assortment of wine-related accessories are also sold at the winery's gift store, including wine racks and glasses.

Address: Ackerman Winery, 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, Phone: 319-622-3379

2. Buchanan House Winery

Buchanan House Winery is a member winery of the Iowa Wine Growers Association, housed within a restored brick mansion in Tipton that was originally constructed by its namesake Alexander Buchanan in 1885. The mansion, which served as the estate house for a 560-acre pioneer farm, was purchased in 2009 and transported to its current location by winery owners Linda and Randy Weaver.

Today, guests can sample the company's red, white, sparkling, and fruit wines at its public tasting room, which is open daily without appointments necessary. Private wine tastings are available with advance reservation for small groups. Guests can also explore the winery's vineyards as part of self-guided tours or stroll through its 1.5-acre Colonial Revival-style garden, which showcases perennial plantings and ornamental flowers.

Address: Buchanan House Winery, 726 Green Rd, Tipton, IA 52772, Phone: 563-357-9916

3. Covered Bridges Winery

Covered Bridges Winery is a charming stop on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, owned and operated by married duos Jean and Kevin Fifo and Kevin and Rose Boyle. The winery, which is located just north of the city of Winterset, was opened to the public in 2016 within a brand-new state-of-the-art production facility and tasting room space near Highway 169.

Wines are produced from native and French-American hybrid grapes, prepared in excellent red, white, and blush varietals such as Marechal Foch, Edelweiss, St. Croix, and La Crescent. Beautiful North River Valley views are offered from the company's tasting room, which is open to the public throughout the week during the summer and at select weekend times throughout the winter. Public special events include live music performances and food pairing events.

Address: Covered Bridges Winery, 2207 170th Trail, Winterset, IA 50273, Phone: 515-729-9463

4. Empty Nest Winery

Empty Nest Winery was originally opened in 2011 in Waukon, housed within a reclaimed century-old family barn with breathtaking architectural elements such as barn board framing, vaulted wood ceilings, lighted spiral chandeliers, and two handmade 24-foot bars. The family-operated winery, which began production with a lineup of eight wines, now serves up a full lineup of standard and seasonal wines, including high-quality dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and dessert wines and blends.

Fruit-forward wines are also produced, including specialties such as blackberry port wine or chocolate raspberry wine. Guests can taste wines each weekend at the company's tasting room, which also serves sangrias, craft beer, and hard ciders produced on site. Free popcorn is available to munch on, with hot buffet food offered on select Fridays.

Address: Empty Nest Winery, 352 Apple Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, Phone: 563-568-2758, FB

5. Fireside Winery

Fireside Winery is a delightful family-operated winery in Marengo, opened by married duo William and Rona Wyant. The winery, which is named in honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's historic "Fireside Chat" radio broadcasts, strives to cultivate an atmosphere of communal gathering centered around sharing wine and friendship.

High-quality red, white, and specialty blend wines are sold, ranging from regional varietals such as La Crescent and Iowa Seyval to delicious sweet, dessert, and fruit blends. Tastings and tours are offered on weekends at the company's tasting room facility, which is located within convenient driving distance of the nearby Amana Colonies and the University of Iowa. Three outdoor fire pits are available for guest use during the warmer months, along with a cozy patio and fireplace. Live music performances throughout the year showcase Midwestern regional bands and artists.

Address: Fireside Winery, 1755 P Ave, Marengo, IA 52301, Phone: 319-662-4222